Intro to Block Printing — With Brian Tibbetts
April 26 @ 10:00 am - April 27 @ 5:00 pm
$345.00 – $385.00
The number one wish from the folks who attended Brian’s first workshop back in 2023 was that they had another day to refine their skills, so that’s what we are offering up for this spring. We hope you’ll join us!
Block printing is a relatively low-cost, low-barrier, and easy way to begin making art that is part of a rich tradition of printmaking, spanning multiple cultures throughout the world. From the Japanese woodcut moku hanga prints, depicting the “Floating World” or Ukiyo-e; to the 2000-year history of block printing on fabric in India; to the rich history of etching, wood engraving, and other printmaking techniques employed in Europe since the Renaissance, printmaking continues to be a way to make art accessible to the masses both in terms of owning the finished product and in terms of making the art itself.
In this comprehensive two-day workshop, designed to suit both beginners and those with some experience, you’ll dive deep into the art of block printing through hands-on learning and exploration of both single-color and multi-color techniques.
Day One: Foundations of Block Printing
- Introduction to block printing materials and tools
- Understanding different carving materials and their properties
- Basic image carving techniques using easy-cut materials
- Advanced carving techniques for linoleum blocks
- Paper preparation and ink selection
- Printing techniques for creating clean, consistent editions
- Registration methods for precise printing
- Creating and printing a numbered edition of your first block print
Day Two: Multi-Color Techniques and Advanced Methods
- Introduction to multi-color block printing approaches
- Color theory and ink mixing for printmaking
- Registration systems for multiple colors
- Reduction printing techniques
- Multiple block printing methods
- Color overlay effects and transparency
- Alternative inking techniques including gradients and selective inking
- Creation of a multi-color print using your choice of technique
Throughout both days, participants will receive individual guidance and feedback while working at their own pace. More experienced participants will have opportunities to explore advanced techniques and push their creative boundaries. All participants will leave with their own completed editions of both single-color and multi-color prints.
Materials Included:
- Carving tools (for use during workshop)
- Easy-cut practice blocks
- Linoleum blocks
- Basic inking supplies
- Paper for printing
- Registration guides
- Safety equipment
What to Bring:
- Sketches or reference images for your prints
- Apron or work clothes
- Notebook for taking notes
- Optional: any personal carving tools you prefer to use
Light breakfast, coffee, tea and water will be provided. Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Participants have access to refrigerator, microwave and stove, and a 1 hour lunch break will be built into both days.
You will note two separate tickets below, with different materials costs included in each. Please be sure to choose the appropriate one so we can have your materials ready for you! If you are a beginner with no tools, your ticket will include an $85 fee for everything you need for the weekend. If you are coming equipped with your own tools, the fee is $45 for linoleum blocks, ink, and paper.
Space is limited to ensure individual attention. All skill levels welcome.
Participants must be 16 or older due to sharp tool usage.
Your Instructor:
Brian first began making visual art in his late teens, painting with oils on old vinyl roll-up window blinds found in the closet of his double-studio apartment. He took a handful of painting and mixed-media classes at Pacific Northwest College of Art and Portland Community College, but is primarily self-taught. He has been a part of group exhibitions, juried shows, and solo exhibitions at galleries, coffee shops, and bars around Portland since the late 1980s. He began working primarily in block printing in the 2010s and is a member of Print Arts Northwest, and was a PAN Emerging Printmaking Resident in 2023/24. He is also a professional musician and the author of four books of poetry and prose. He works as a nonprofit consultant, grants researcher, and grant writer.
Please note: If you have accessibility needs, please reach out and we will work to accommodate you. While we strive to make our workshops accessible to all, we are located in a historical home that does not have accessible restrooms; our lowest entrance has two steps to enter. We may be able to accommodate you with advance notice, so don’t be shy to reach out. We do not require masks at most events, but we do have masks available on site, and run high quality air filters, and ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home. Refunds or credit for a future workshop can be made available.
We do have a scholarship fund! Reach out to arts@pnfarm.com to request financial aid for this workshop.
